[go: up one dir, main page]

US6105542A - Modular engine - Google Patents

Modular engine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US6105542A
US6105542A US09/125,923 US12592398A US6105542A US 6105542 A US6105542 A US 6105542A US 12592398 A US12592398 A US 12592398A US 6105542 A US6105542 A US 6105542A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
engine
valve
cylinder block
link
output shaft
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US09/125,923
Inventor
Clive William Efford
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6105542A publication Critical patent/US6105542A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B73/00—Combinations of two or more engines, not otherwise provided for
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01B—MACHINES OR ENGINES, IN GENERAL OR OF POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT TYPE, e.g. STEAM ENGINES
    • F01B1/00—Reciprocating-piston machines or engines characterised by number or relative disposition of cylinders or by being built-up from separate cylinder-crankcase elements
    • F01B1/12—Separate cylinder-crankcase elements coupled together to form a unit
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02F—CYLINDERS, PISTONS OR CASINGS, FOR COMBUSTION ENGINES; ARRANGEMENTS OF SEALINGS IN COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02F7/00—Casings, e.g. crankcases
    • F02F7/0021—Construction
    • F02F7/0031—Construction kit principle (modular engines)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B75/00—Other engines
    • F02B75/16—Engines characterised by number of cylinders, e.g. single-cylinder engines
    • F02B75/18—Multi-cylinder engines
    • F02B2075/1804—Number of cylinders
    • F02B2075/1812—Number of cylinders three
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S123/00—Internal-combustion engines
    • Y10S123/08—Multiple engine units

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a modular engine.
  • the present invention has for one object to provide a single power unit, for static or mobile use, having a plurality of interconnectable power modules.
  • an engine comprising two or more power modules, and means for bolting the modules together in a selected positional relationship, said means including an enclosed link-up device for coupling any one or both power modules to a common output shaft.
  • each power module will comprise at least one cylinder and a crankshaft, the link-up device coupling any one, both or all crankshafts to a common output shaft, whereby to provide a modular internal combustion engine.
  • link-up device could alternatively be used to link up two or more gas turbines or electric motors, for example.
  • a link-up unit e.g. the aforesaid enclosed link-up device, in the form of a gear casing incorporating gears for selectively interconnecting a plurality of power outputs, e.g. a plurality of crankshafts, with the output shaft.
  • a casing can be provided incorporating hydraulic pumps which are driven by the respective crankshafts and are linked by a control valve.
  • clutches may be incorporated to enable controlled selection of and number of power units in use.
  • a suitable clutch may be a torque converter, fluid flywheel, centrifugal clutch, hydraulic clutch or spring and pressure plate.
  • the cylinder block modules are preferably cast or moulded and are bolted to a crankcase, linked by cooling tubes.
  • a cylinder block module and crankcase may alternatively be cast or moulded as an integral unit.
  • Wet or dry liners may be fitted. While the cylinder block modules may have open tops for fitting of cylinder block heads and associated conventional valves, preferably the cylinder block modules are closed at the top, but bored with apertures for the fitting of valve housings, as later described.
  • crankcase is moulded or cast, preferably of open web-type construction, with full main housings drilled for oil passages and returns. Universal drillings are preferably provided for bolting cylinder block modules together. Side plates and sumps are preferably incorporated and, desirably, the crankshaft swing can extend partly into a casing cutaway whilst clearing the parting plate.
  • the side plate in particular, can be made in different sizes and shapes to suit the number of cylinder block modules and the relative positionings thereof required for different engines.
  • any number of engines required for different vehicle models and uses therof can be produced, all based on the same cylinder block module.
  • a closed top cylinder block module is employed instead of the cylinder block module being open at the top to receive a conventional cylinder head and conventional camshaft operated valves.
  • an internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder block incorporating at least one cylinder, wherein the cylinder head is dispensed with, and instead at least one machined valve housing is bolted to the cylinder block, the or each valve housing incorporating one or more slide valves which control the intake of fuel or fuel/air mixture through apertures bored in the wall of the cylinder block.
  • a preferred valve comprises a slide valve housing, valve slide, driving cam for the valve slide and biassing spring or hydraulic damper for the valve slide. Servicing is thus made possible in like manner to that of fuel injectors.
  • the preferred valve system is especially suitable for gas fueled vehicles.
  • a cylinder block module can be fitted with two, three or four such valves per cylinder, single or twin cam.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an engine comprising cylinder block module, crankcase and link-up unit;
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the interior of a link-up unit, for an engine having two cylinder block modules;
  • FIG. 3 is a view of the interior of the link-up unit
  • FIG. 4 shows an engine comprising two cylinder modules
  • FIG. 4a shows a modification of the engine of FIG. 4
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of the engine of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 6 shows part of an engine having a preferred valve control system
  • FIGS. 7a to 7d show details of a preferred control valve.
  • FIG. 1 there are shown three cylinder block modules 10, each comprising one or more cylinders, bolted together via a crankcase unit 12, one for each cylinder module, and a link-up unit 14.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 show the interior of a link-up unit for an engine having two cylinder block modules.
  • a link-up unit can readily be modified to suit an engine having three cylinder block modules, as in FIG. 1, or four or more cylinder block modules.
  • the link-up unit of FIGS. 2 and 3 shows the crankshafts 16 of the two cylinder block modules coupled via clutches 18 and coaxial inner and outer shafts 20 to gear trains 22 which couple to an output drive shaft 24.
  • Reference 26 denotes the back plate of the link-up unit.
  • the clutches are automatically controlled by an engine management system 27 so that either one or both cylinder block modules are coupled to the output shaft, depending on the variable power requirements of the engine when in use.
  • FIG. 4 shows an engine having two cylinder block modules 28 bolted together at 30.
  • the cylinder block modules could be integrally formed each with its crankcase.
  • FIG. 4a shows the versatility of the arrangement, in that according to requirements the cylinder block modules 28 can be interconnected in any desired positional relationship, in association with appropriate re-arrangement of the link-up unit.
  • FIG. 5 shows the engine of FIG. 4 in side view, with the link-up unit 14 on the right.
  • FIG. 6 shows part of a cylinder block module, and more especially a preferred valve control system therefor. Instead of being open topped to receive a cylinder head and conventional camshaft controlled valves, the top of the module is closed, and fitted with slide valves 32 controlling the injection of fuel into the engine. The arrangement is especially suitable for a gas fuelled engine.
  • FIGS. 7a to 7d show detail of one of the slide valves.
  • This comprises a valve housing 34 in which is incorporated a tapered valve slide 36 controlled by a cam follower 38 driven by cam 40 on the camshaft and acting against a spring or hydraulic damper 42.
  • the valve slide 36 opens and closes parts 44 bored in the top wall of the cylinder block module (see also FIG. 6).
  • the basic cylindrical block module can be built with two, three or four valves per cylinder, fitted on top with single or twin cams, or side fitted as a crossflow with twin cams.
  • conventional valves driven by a conventional camshaft drive could be employed instead.
  • the valves are provided on a machined face of the cylinder block to which the machined valve housing 34 is bolted.
  • the valve is hardened and has two tapers 46, 48 which holds the valve tightly closed with the spring 42 or hydraulic pressure holding the slide 36 to the tapers.
  • the valve slide 36 has the cam follower 38 in front for adjustment and for operating the valve when pushed by the cam 40 to open the port by aligning hole 50 in the valve slide with apertures 52 in the valve housing 34. On release, the valve slide 36 is pushed back onto the tapers holding it closed.
  • Servicing can be carried out by either unbolting the entire valve unit or removing the valve plate, in situ, by removing spring cap 56 and replacing any required parts.
  • Each crankshaft is fitted with a clutch and sliding gear, but the latter is optional, depending on type of clutch used.
  • a torque converter, fluid flywheel, or any other type of clutch can be employed.
  • the gear train can be variable to suit requirements, and the output shaft be fitted in a variety of positions, e.g. high to lower the centre of gravity, and low in marine applications to permit shafts to be fitted in the keel.
  • various numbers of output shafts can be used, depending on the number of crankshafts used.
  • the optional layout of the engine enables designers to lower the centre of gravity, leading to greater stability and increased safety; also with hydraulic power the engine could be fitted in any position in order to improve space or accessibility, as well as eliminating the stress of torque.
  • the casting may be manufactured of various materials, including some plastics to save weight and costs. As the crankshafts will be housed as single units capable of being bolted together, many savings can be made in production and design as well as in speed and ease of unit or part-unit replacement; also spares stockholding economies.
  • the engine is capable of running on any fuel type for which the engine is built, liquid or gas, and by sump or external oil reservoir and pump, and the preferred valve system enables considerable space saving in the overall height of the unit, giving many design advantages. Moreover, as no head is used with this valve system, there is no risk of headgasket problems, and the valves can be changed simply.
  • link up concept is also suitable for use in connecting gas turbine modules or electric power supplies, i.e. electric motors.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Valve-Gear Or Valve Arrangements (AREA)
  • Cylinder Crankcases Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)
  • Control Of Throttle Valves Provided In The Intake System Or In The Exhaust System (AREA)
  • Valve Device For Special Equipments (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
  • Soil Working Implements (AREA)
  • Transplanting Machines (AREA)
  • Control Of Motors That Do Not Use Commutators (AREA)
  • Control Of Multiple Motors (AREA)
  • Input Circuits Of Receivers And Coupling Of Receivers And Audio Equipment (AREA)
  • Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
  • Control Of Electric Motors In General (AREA)
  • Control Of Vehicle Engines Or Engines For Specific Uses (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Transmissions (AREA)

Abstract

A modular engine has a plurality of engine sections, with each of the engine sections having a power module, which power modules are bolted to one another in a selected positional relationship. A link-up device is selectively able to couple any number of the engine sections to one or more output shafts. An engine management system controls the link-up device so that, in use, and according to power requirements, any one or more of the engine sections is brought into operation, or is withdrawn from operation, such that the single overall engine is able to utilize power from any number of the power modules of the engine sections (e.g., three or more) for driving the output shaft(s).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a modular engine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various proposals have been made in the prior art for equipping a vehicle, whether land borne or water borne, with two or more engines which can be selectively used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has for one object to provide a single power unit, for static or mobile use, having a plurality of interconnectable power modules.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an engine comprising two or more power modules, and means for bolting the modules together in a selected positional relationship, said means including an enclosed link-up device for coupling any one or both power modules to a common output shaft.
Most commonly, each power module will comprise at least one cylinder and a crankshaft, the link-up device coupling any one, both or all crankshafts to a common output shaft, whereby to provide a modular internal combustion engine.
However, the link-up device could alternatively be used to link up two or more gas turbines or electric motors, for example.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a link-up unit, e.g. the aforesaid enclosed link-up device, in the form of a gear casing incorporating gears for selectively interconnecting a plurality of power outputs, e.g. a plurality of crankshafts, with the output shaft. Alternatively, a casing can be provided incorporating hydraulic pumps which are driven by the respective crankshafts and are linked by a control valve. When enclosed gearing is employed, clutches may be incorporated to enable controlled selection of and number of power units in use. A suitable clutch may be a torque converter, fluid flywheel, centrifugal clutch, hydraulic clutch or spring and pressure plate.
In the case of an internal combustion engine, the cylinder block modules are preferably cast or moulded and are bolted to a crankcase, linked by cooling tubes. A cylinder block module and crankcase may alternatively be cast or moulded as an integral unit. Wet or dry liners may be fitted. While the cylinder block modules may have open tops for fitting of cylinder block heads and associated conventional valves, preferably the cylinder block modules are closed at the top, but bored with apertures for the fitting of valve housings, as later described.
The crankcase is moulded or cast, preferably of open web-type construction, with full main housings drilled for oil passages and returns. Universal drillings are preferably provided for bolting cylinder block modules together. Side plates and sumps are preferably incorporated and, desirably, the crankshaft swing can extend partly into a casing cutaway whilst clearing the parting plate.
The side plate, in particular, can be made in different sizes and shapes to suit the number of cylinder block modules and the relative positionings thereof required for different engines. Thus, any number of engines required for different vehicle models and uses therof can be produced, all based on the same cylinder block module.
As previously mentioned, instead of the cylinder block module being open at the top to receive a conventional cylinder head and conventional camshaft operated valves, most preferably a closed top cylinder block module is employed.
Thus, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder block incorporating at least one cylinder, wherein the cylinder head is dispensed with, and instead at least one machined valve housing is bolted to the cylinder block, the or each valve housing incorporating one or more slide valves which control the intake of fuel or fuel/air mixture through apertures bored in the wall of the cylinder block.
A preferred valve comprises a slide valve housing, valve slide, driving cam for the valve slide and biassing spring or hydraulic damper for the valve slide. Servicing is thus made possible in like manner to that of fuel injectors. The preferred valve system is especially suitable for gas fueled vehicles.
A cylinder block module can be fitted with two, three or four such valves per cylinder, single or twin cam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an engine comprising cylinder block module, crankcase and link-up unit;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the interior of a link-up unit, for an engine having two cylinder block modules;
FIG. 3 is a view of the interior of the link-up unit;
FIG. 4 shows an engine comprising two cylinder modules;
FIG. 4a shows a modification of the engine of FIG. 4;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the engine of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 shows part of an engine having a preferred valve control system; and
FIGS. 7a to 7d show details of a preferred control valve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, there are shown three cylinder block modules 10, each comprising one or more cylinders, bolted together via a crankcase unit 12, one for each cylinder module, and a link-up unit 14.
FIGS. 2 and 3 show the interior of a link-up unit for an engine having two cylinder block modules. Such a link-up unit can readily be modified to suit an engine having three cylinder block modules, as in FIG. 1, or four or more cylinder block modules.
The link-up unit of FIGS. 2 and 3 shows the crankshafts 16 of the two cylinder block modules coupled via clutches 18 and coaxial inner and outer shafts 20 to gear trains 22 which couple to an output drive shaft 24. Reference 26 denotes the back plate of the link-up unit.
The clutches are automatically controlled by an engine management system 27 so that either one or both cylinder block modules are coupled to the output shaft, depending on the variable power requirements of the engine when in use.
FIG. 4 shows an engine having two cylinder block modules 28 bolted together at 30. The cylinder block modules could be integrally formed each with its crankcase. FIG. 4a shows the versatility of the arrangement, in that according to requirements the cylinder block modules 28 can be interconnected in any desired positional relationship, in association with appropriate re-arrangement of the link-up unit.
FIG. 5 shows the engine of FIG. 4 in side view, with the link-up unit 14 on the right.
FIG. 6 shows part of a cylinder block module, and more especially a preferred valve control system therefor. Instead of being open topped to receive a cylinder head and conventional camshaft controlled valves, the top of the module is closed, and fitted with slide valves 32 controlling the injection of fuel into the engine. The arrangement is especially suitable for a gas fuelled engine.
FIGS. 7a to 7d show detail of one of the slide valves. This comprises a valve housing 34 in which is incorporated a tapered valve slide 36 controlled by a cam follower 38 driven by cam 40 on the camshaft and acting against a spring or hydraulic damper 42. The valve slide 36 opens and closes parts 44 bored in the top wall of the cylinder block module (see also FIG. 6).
More generally, the basic cylindrical block module can be built with two, three or four valves per cylinder, fitted on top with single or twin cams, or side fitted as a crossflow with twin cams. However, conventional valves driven by a conventional camshaft drive could be employed instead. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 7, the valves are provided on a machined face of the cylinder block to which the machined valve housing 34 is bolted. The valve is hardened and has two tapers 46, 48 which holds the valve tightly closed with the spring 42 or hydraulic pressure holding the slide 36 to the tapers. The valve slide 36 has the cam follower 38 in front for adjustment and for operating the valve when pushed by the cam 40 to open the port by aligning hole 50 in the valve slide with apertures 52 in the valve housing 34. On release, the valve slide 36 is pushed back onto the tapers holding it closed. Servicing can be carried out by either unbolting the entire valve unit or removing the valve plate, in situ, by removing spring cap 56 and replacing any required parts.
Each crankshaft is fitted with a clutch and sliding gear, but the latter is optional, depending on type of clutch used. A torque converter, fluid flywheel, or any other type of clutch can be employed. The gear train can be variable to suit requirements, and the output shaft be fitted in a variety of positions, e.g. high to lower the centre of gravity, and low in marine applications to permit shafts to be fitted in the keel. Moreover, various numbers of output shafts can be used, depending on the number of crankshafts used.
Most importantly, computer control technology, incorporated in the engine management system, will enable multiple crankshafts to run at an identical speed, and to be stopped or brought back into synchronism as and when required.
Some of the many advantages are as follows:
The optional layout of the engine enables designers to lower the centre of gravity, leading to greater stability and increased safety; also with hydraulic power the engine could be fitted in any position in order to improve space or accessibility, as well as eliminating the stress of torque.
The casting may be manufactured of various materials, including some plastics to save weight and costs. As the crankshafts will be housed as single units capable of being bolted together, many savings can be made in production and design as well as in speed and ease of unit or part-unit replacement; also spares stockholding economies.
By making provision for various mounting positions only the side plates and sumps need be made and fitted to allow the units to be adopted in a large number of applications and in different combinations.
The engine is capable of running on any fuel type for which the engine is built, liquid or gas, and by sump or external oil reservoir and pump, and the preferred valve system enables considerable space saving in the overall height of the unit, giving many design advantages. Moreover, as no head is used with this valve system, there is no risk of headgasket problems, and the valves can be changed simply.
Whereas the drawings in general illustrate internal combustion engines acting on a four-stroke cycle, the invention is also applicable to engines operating on a two-stroke cycle. The illustrated engines also incorporate camshafts. However, the invention is also applicable to camless engines incorporating unit valve activators, and to engines wherein the cams are operated by an electronic unit instead of a cam shaft.
Finally, the link up concept is also suitable for use in connecting gas turbine modules or electric power supplies, i.e. electric motors.

Claims (17)

What is claimed is:
1. A single engine having at least one output shaft, comprising:
a plurality of engine sections, each of said engine sections comprising a power module;
means for bolting said plurality of engine sections together in a selected positional relationship;
means including an enclosed link-up device for selectively coupling any number of said engine sections to the, at least one, output shaft; and,
an engine management system having means for controlling the link-up device so that, in use, and according to power requirements, any one or more of said plurality of engine sections is brought into operation, or is withdrawn from operation, wherein the single engine is capable of utilizing power from any number of said power modules of said engine sections for driving the, at least one, output shaft.
2. An engine according to claim 1, wherein each power module comprises at least one cylinder and one crankshaft, the link-up device selectively coupling any one, both or all crankshafts to the common output shaft or shafts, whereby to provide an internal combustion engine.
3. An engine according to claim 2, wherein the link-up device comprises a gear casing incorporating gears for selectively interconnecting a plurality of crankshafts with the common output shaft or shafts.
4. An engine according to claim 2, wherein a cylinder block module is closed at the top and bored with apertures for a fitting of slide valve housings.
5. An engine according to claim 2, wherein a cylinder block module is bolted to, or integrally formed with, a crankcase.
6. An engine according to claim 5, wherein the crankcase is designed and built in size and shape to suit the number of cylinder block modules and the relative positonings of the latter required for different engines.
7. An engine according to claim 2, comprising a cylinder block incorporating at least one cylinder and having at least one machined valve housing bolted to said cylinder block, each of said valve housings incorporates at least one slide valve which controls an intake of air for a direct injection of fuel through apertures bored in a wall of said cylinder block.
8. An engine according to claim 7, wherein each valve comprises a slide valve housing, a valve slide, a driving cam for the valve slide and a biassing spring or hydraulic damper for the valve slide.
9. An engine according to claim 7, adapted to be fueled by gas.
10. An engine according to claim 2, comprising a cylinder block incorporating at least one cylinder and having at least one machined valve housing bolted to said cylinder block, each of said valve housings incorporates at least one slide valve which controls an intake of air for a direct injection of a fuel-and-air mixture through apertures bored in a wall of said cylinder block.
11. An engine according to claim 10, wherein each valve comprises a slide valve housing, a valve slide, a driving cam for the valve slide and a biassing spring or hydraulic damper for the valve slide.
12. An engine according to claim 10, adapted to be fueled by gas.
13. A single engine having at least one output shaft, comprising:
at least three engine sections, each of said engine sections comprising a power module;
means for bolting said engine sections together in a selected positional relationship;
means including an enclosed link-up device for selectively coupling any number of said engine sections to the, at least one, output shaft; and,
an engine management system having means for controlling the link-up device so that, in use, and according to power requirements, any one or more of said at least three engine sections is brought into operation, or is withdrawn from operation, wherein the single engine is capable of utilizing power from any number of said power modules of said engine sections for driving the, at least one, output shaft.
14. An engine according to claim 13, wherein each said power module comprises at least one cylinder and one crank-shaft, the link-up device selectively coupling any number of crankshafts to the common output shaft or shafts, for providing an internal combustion engine.
15. An engine according to claim 14, wherein the link-up device comprises a gear casing incorporating gears for selectively interconnecting a plurality of crankshafts with the common output shaft or shafts.
16. An engine according to claim 15, wherein a cylinder block module for each of said cylinders is bolted to, or integrally formed with, a crankcase.
17. An engine according to claim 14, wherein each of said cylinders has a cylinder block module which is closed at the top and bored with apertures for fitting of slide valve housings.
US09/125,923 1996-03-06 1997-03-03 Modular engine Expired - Fee Related US6105542A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9604769 1996-03-06
GB9604769A GB2310894A (en) 1996-03-06 1996-03-06 Multi-engine drive unit
PCT/GB1997/000575 WO1997033072A1 (en) 1996-03-06 1997-03-03 Modular engine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US6105542A true US6105542A (en) 2000-08-22

Family

ID=10789952

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/125,923 Expired - Fee Related US6105542A (en) 1996-03-06 1997-03-03 Modular engine

Country Status (13)

Country Link
US (1) US6105542A (en)
EP (1) EP0885347B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2000506244A (en)
AT (1) ATE196668T1 (en)
AU (1) AU708943B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2248373A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69703202T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0885347T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2151718T3 (en)
GB (2) GB2310894A (en)
GR (1) GR3035015T3 (en)
PT (1) PT885347E (en)
WO (1) WO1997033072A1 (en)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040031458A1 (en) * 2002-04-15 2004-02-19 Snyder Dale D. Modular internal combustion engines
US20040149269A1 (en) * 2003-01-22 2004-08-05 Karem Abraham E. Fail-operational internal combustion engine
US6817326B1 (en) 2003-09-22 2004-11-16 Kevin J. Anibas Valve system for internal combustion engines
US20040237684A1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2004-12-02 Bossler Robert B. Torque dividing gear drive system and method of driving an output gear
US20070068470A1 (en) * 2005-09-23 2007-03-29 Price Charles E Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US20090288630A1 (en) * 2007-05-18 2009-11-26 Arrow Leads, Inc. Zero float valve for internal combustion engine and method of operation thereof
US20100077973A1 (en) * 2005-09-23 2010-04-01 Price Charles E Variable travel valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US20100116239A1 (en) * 2008-11-07 2010-05-13 Crall Craig W Sliding valve assembly
US8409577B2 (en) 2006-06-12 2013-04-02 Emergent Product Development Seattle, Llc Single chain multivalent binding proteins with effector function
US8707929B2 (en) 2011-07-28 2014-04-29 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Multi-rotor rotary engine architecture
US8853366B2 (en) 2001-01-17 2014-10-07 Emergent Product Development Seattle, Llc Binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins
US9005612B2 (en) 2001-01-17 2015-04-14 Emergent Product Development Seattle, Llc Binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins
US10143748B2 (en) 2005-07-25 2018-12-04 Aptevo Research And Development Llc B-cell reduction using CD37-specific and CD20-specific binding molecules
US10690085B2 (en) 2016-09-09 2020-06-23 Jp Scope, Inc. Variable travel valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US11352426B2 (en) 2015-09-21 2022-06-07 Aptevo Research And Development Llc CD3 binding polypeptides

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2344378A (en) * 1998-12-05 2000-06-07 Rover Group Modular i.c. engine

Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1492587A (en) * 1922-05-24 1924-05-06 Internat Process And Engineeri Engine
FR572174A (en) * 1923-10-23 1924-06-02 Explosion engine without valves
US1537248A (en) * 1923-12-13 1925-05-12 Thomas J Maloney Internal-combustion engine
US1574686A (en) * 1925-03-23 1926-02-23 Petticore Anthony Engine
US1781176A (en) * 1927-03-29 1930-11-11 Grube Silent Motors Inc Engine valve
US3332404A (en) * 1965-02-15 1967-07-25 Charles L Lovercheck Dual engine
US3390670A (en) * 1967-06-26 1968-07-02 Ametek Inc Combined engines
DE2044943A1 (en) * 1970-09-11 1972-03-16 Carbon, Theo, DipL-Ing., 8720 Schweinfurt; Hutter, Friedrich, 8721 Niederwerrn Reciprocating machine based on the modular principle
US4337623A (en) * 1976-10-20 1982-07-06 Kronogard Sven Olof Vehicle drive system
WO1985001548A1 (en) * 1983-09-28 1985-04-11 Borislaw Ivanov Stator-rotor piston internal combustion engine
US4638637A (en) * 1980-09-29 1987-01-27 Ab Volvo Vehicle propulsion plant
US4662490A (en) * 1981-09-09 1987-05-05 Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Clutch system for an internal combustion engine provided with a plurality of engine units
US4714060A (en) * 1986-02-04 1987-12-22 R K W Industries, Inc. Composite engine
US4765287A (en) * 1987-11-02 1988-08-23 Taylor Bill A Slide valve apparatus for internal combustion engine
US5647309A (en) * 1994-12-01 1997-07-15 Avery; Alfred J. Internal combustion engine firing system
US5694890A (en) * 1996-10-07 1997-12-09 Yazdi; Kamran Internal combustion engine with sliding valves

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2838913A (en) * 1950-07-15 1958-06-17 Gen Motors Corp Aircraft power system and clutch control therefor
GB764005A (en) * 1953-07-07 1956-12-19 Weser Ag Improvements in or relating to ship propelling installations
AT247408B (en) * 1963-11-18 1966-06-10 Voith Getriebe Kg Power transmission device with at least two fluid transmissions, in particular for a rail locomotive
GB1172500A (en) * 1966-12-22 1969-12-03 Ford Motor Co Vehicle Engine Arrangement
GB1216558A (en) * 1967-06-29 1970-12-23 Goetaverken Ab Improvements in or relating to power plants
DE2946117C2 (en) * 1979-11-15 1987-04-30 Volkswagen AG, 3180 Wolfsburg Engine-gearbox arrangement for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles
SE8006807L (en) * 1980-09-29 1982-03-30 United Motor & Transmissions A MOTOR VEHICLES
JPS5793664A (en) * 1980-11-29 1982-06-10 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Phase setting system for internal combustion engine having plural power sources
DE3045093A1 (en) * 1980-11-29 1982-07-01 Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart MULTIPLE ARRANGEMENT OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
SE434972B (en) * 1981-07-21 1984-08-27 Volvo Ab MOTOR VEHICLES
JPS5844246A (en) * 1981-09-09 1983-03-15 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Method of controlling plural motive power sources
EP0184685A3 (en) * 1984-12-13 1987-04-08 KANIUT, Herbert Maximilian Split-engine for motor-vehicles, with a divided crankshaft, and an engine cross-shaft for auxiliary-drives
IT1211518B (en) * 1987-11-12 1989-11-03 Offmar S N C Di Matta Emiliano ENGINE PARTICULARLY FOR ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT
US5228294A (en) * 1988-11-30 1993-07-20 Murray Jerome L Rotary internal combustion engine
AUPO319796A0 (en) * 1996-10-24 1996-11-14 Williames, Geoffrey Allan Vehicle powertrains

Patent Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1492587A (en) * 1922-05-24 1924-05-06 Internat Process And Engineeri Engine
FR572174A (en) * 1923-10-23 1924-06-02 Explosion engine without valves
US1537248A (en) * 1923-12-13 1925-05-12 Thomas J Maloney Internal-combustion engine
US1574686A (en) * 1925-03-23 1926-02-23 Petticore Anthony Engine
US1781176A (en) * 1927-03-29 1930-11-11 Grube Silent Motors Inc Engine valve
US3332404A (en) * 1965-02-15 1967-07-25 Charles L Lovercheck Dual engine
US3390670A (en) * 1967-06-26 1968-07-02 Ametek Inc Combined engines
DE2044943A1 (en) * 1970-09-11 1972-03-16 Carbon, Theo, DipL-Ing., 8720 Schweinfurt; Hutter, Friedrich, 8721 Niederwerrn Reciprocating machine based on the modular principle
US4337623A (en) * 1976-10-20 1982-07-06 Kronogard Sven Olof Vehicle drive system
US4638637A (en) * 1980-09-29 1987-01-27 Ab Volvo Vehicle propulsion plant
US4662490A (en) * 1981-09-09 1987-05-05 Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Clutch system for an internal combustion engine provided with a plurality of engine units
WO1985001548A1 (en) * 1983-09-28 1985-04-11 Borislaw Ivanov Stator-rotor piston internal combustion engine
US4714060A (en) * 1986-02-04 1987-12-22 R K W Industries, Inc. Composite engine
US4765287A (en) * 1987-11-02 1988-08-23 Taylor Bill A Slide valve apparatus for internal combustion engine
US5647309A (en) * 1994-12-01 1997-07-15 Avery; Alfred J. Internal combustion engine firing system
US5694890A (en) * 1996-10-07 1997-12-09 Yazdi; Kamran Internal combustion engine with sliding valves

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Wassenaar, Machine Design, vol. 61, No. 16, Novel Diesel Engines to be Built in Modules, p. 38 (Aug. 10, 1989). *

Cited By (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9005612B2 (en) 2001-01-17 2015-04-14 Emergent Product Development Seattle, Llc Binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins
US8853366B2 (en) 2001-01-17 2014-10-07 Emergent Product Development Seattle, Llc Binding domain-immunoglobulin fusion proteins
US20040031458A1 (en) * 2002-04-15 2004-02-19 Snyder Dale D. Modular internal combustion engines
US6904883B2 (en) 2002-04-15 2005-06-14 Tecumseh Products Company Modular internal combustion engines
US20040149269A1 (en) * 2003-01-22 2004-08-05 Karem Abraham E. Fail-operational internal combustion engine
US20050034703A1 (en) * 2003-01-22 2005-02-17 Karem Abraham E. Fail-operational internal combustion engine
US6892697B2 (en) 2003-01-22 2005-05-17 The Boeing Company Fail-operational internal combustion engine
US6935316B2 (en) 2003-01-22 2005-08-30 The Boeing Company Fail-operational internal combustion engine
US20050268890A1 (en) * 2003-01-22 2005-12-08 Karem Abraham E Fail-operational internal combustion engine systems and methods
US20040237684A1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2004-12-02 Bossler Robert B. Torque dividing gear drive system and method of driving an output gear
US7165474B2 (en) 2003-05-28 2007-01-23 The Boeing Company Torque dividing gear drive system and method of driving an output gear
US6817326B1 (en) 2003-09-22 2004-11-16 Kevin J. Anibas Valve system for internal combustion engines
US10307481B2 (en) 2005-07-25 2019-06-04 Aptevo Research And Development Llc CD37 immunotherapeutics and uses thereof
US10143748B2 (en) 2005-07-25 2018-12-04 Aptevo Research And Development Llc B-cell reduction using CD37-specific and CD20-specific binding molecules
US8528511B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2013-09-10 Jp Scope, Inc. Variable travel valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US7874271B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2011-01-25 Jp Scope Llc Method of operating a valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US7448354B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2008-11-11 Jp Scope Llc Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US7461619B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2008-12-09 Jp Scope Llc Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US20070068470A1 (en) * 2005-09-23 2007-03-29 Price Charles E Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US20100077973A1 (en) * 2005-09-23 2010-04-01 Price Charles E Variable travel valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US10309266B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2019-06-04 Jp Scope, Inc. Variable travel valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US8899205B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2014-12-02 Jp Scope, Inc. Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US20070067988A1 (en) * 2005-09-23 2007-03-29 Price Charles E Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US8108995B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2012-02-07 Jp Scope Llc Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US9145797B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2015-09-29 Jp Scope, Inc. Variable travel valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US7373909B2 (en) * 2005-09-23 2008-05-20 Jp Scope Llc Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US8516988B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2013-08-27 Jp Scope, Inc. Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US7263963B2 (en) 2005-09-23 2007-09-04 Jp Scope Llc Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US20070068494A1 (en) * 2005-09-23 2007-03-29 Price Charles E Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US20070068471A1 (en) * 2005-09-23 2007-03-29 Price Charles E Valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine
US8409577B2 (en) 2006-06-12 2013-04-02 Emergent Product Development Seattle, Llc Single chain multivalent binding proteins with effector function
US8087393B2 (en) 2007-05-18 2012-01-03 Arrow Leads, Inc. Zero float valve for internal combustion engine and method of operation thereof
US20090288630A1 (en) * 2007-05-18 2009-11-26 Arrow Leads, Inc. Zero float valve for internal combustion engine and method of operation thereof
US8360395B2 (en) 2008-11-07 2013-01-29 Dragon America Motor Technologies, Inc. Sliding valve assembly
US20100116239A1 (en) * 2008-11-07 2010-05-13 Crall Craig W Sliding valve assembly
US8707929B2 (en) 2011-07-28 2014-04-29 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Multi-rotor rotary engine architecture
US11352426B2 (en) 2015-09-21 2022-06-07 Aptevo Research And Development Llc CD3 binding polypeptides
US10690085B2 (en) 2016-09-09 2020-06-23 Jp Scope, Inc. Variable travel valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2326445B (en) 2000-02-09
AU708943B2 (en) 1999-08-19
GB2310894A (en) 1997-09-10
PT885347E (en) 2001-03-30
ATE196668T1 (en) 2000-10-15
DE69703202T2 (en) 2001-04-26
EP0885347B1 (en) 2000-09-27
DE69703202D1 (en) 2000-11-02
GB9818407D0 (en) 1998-10-21
EP0885347A1 (en) 1998-12-23
JP2000506244A (en) 2000-05-23
AU2223997A (en) 1997-09-22
ES2151718T3 (en) 2001-01-01
CA2248373A1 (en) 1997-09-12
DK0885347T3 (en) 2001-01-02
WO1997033072A1 (en) 1997-09-12
GB2326445A (en) 1998-12-23
GB9604769D0 (en) 1996-05-08
GR3035015T3 (en) 2001-03-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6105542A (en) Modular engine
US6789522B2 (en) Engine for aeronautical applications
US4834219A (en) Oil pump for internal combustion engine disposed concentrically about the transmission mainshaft
US2963006A (en) Two cycle super charged internal combustion engine
US3528394A (en) Internal combustion engine
CN201228751Y (en) Dual spindle balancer for diesel engine
Hancock et al. A new 3 cylinder 1.2 l advanced downsizing technology demonstrator engine
US5876188A (en) Oil pump arrangement for four-cycle outboard motor
US20080184956A1 (en) Internal combustion engine
US3094190A (en) Internal combustion engine
US3145695A (en) Cylinder block for an internal combustion engine
US20110220055A1 (en) Modular engine assembly and fluid control assembly for hydraulically-actuated mechanism
US6058894A (en) General-purpose air-cooled four-cycle engine
US6516764B2 (en) Camshaft supporting structure for four-stroke cycle engine
CN213205831U (en) Aviation piston engine body
JPH0692725B2 (en) Engine oil pan device
US7634982B2 (en) Intake manifold
US6705269B2 (en) Four-cycle engine
CN112761787B (en) V-type double-acting diesel engine
JP2000310288A (en) Crankcase of engine furnished with balancer
JP2516760B2 (en) Spark plug attachment device in engine
JP2000310287A (en) Biaxial secondary balancer of engine
JP4161774B2 (en) Camshaft support structure in a 4-cycle engine
NZ538079A (en) Crankcase cover with oil passages
JP2593057Y2 (en) Overhead camshaft type engine and outboard motor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

SULP Surcharge for late payment
REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20080822